I filled out our court report tonight. It is an awkward document to fill out because it asks innocuous questions like: "how has the child adjusted to the new home, and are the expectations of the foster family being met?"
And so I try my best to answer in a way that would sound good being read aloud by the judge in court. (No pressure, right?)
And it all goes fine and dandy until the last two questions.
"What are your feelings regarding the Department's current plan?"
Well, the department's current plan is reunification.
Let's see. How do I feel about a child that I have loved and cared for for 5 months being taken out of my arms and placed with bio parent that has either been abusive or negligent in some capacity?
Hmmm. Not good really.
But that is not my part to play. The sad woman who wants to scream "please don't take my baby away!"
That's the role of bio mom. She is the real mom. And she's the one that had her child taken.
I am the foster mom. On the scale of Z's development -- I'm way up there on the scale. When it comes to the development of Z's case, I know I'm right there on the bottom.
And so the ink flows ... "We will support reunification if that's what the court decides ..."
I lie.
Well, I quasi lie.
I mean, it's not really a lie. I will go along with their plan. I will kiss his little head good-bye and ball my eyes out forever when it's time for him to go. I'll likely stay up at night worrying. I'll likely just about die from missing him.
But I will do it. I'll "support" the plan.
And then the open-ended question:
"is there anything else case/child specific you want the court to consider."
Heck yes, there is.
"This child has been given a second chance at life -- don't screw it up."
"Please please please please please let him stay. Don't send him to an unsafe home!"
These are things I feel, but don't write.
Instead, I tell the court that Z deserves permanency. He deserves to be safe, and loved, and stable. And that he deserves permanency as soon as possible ... Whether that's with bio family or an adoptive placement.
It is a strange thing to hold a kid ao tight in your heart, but keep your hands wide open to whatever the court decides.
Ugh, you're right. Those court reports are really tough to fill out. Especially on younger children who can't communicate with you their feelings about everything that's going on.
ReplyDeleteYes. Questions like, "what are the child's strengths?" Ryan and I both wanted to write -- "He is really good at pooping!" Because if that child is good at one thing, it is definitely pooping.
DeleteYou amaze me. I know strength is not a word grieving parents like to hear, but I do admire your strength. I admire the love you have for your children, and baby Z. I hope with all my heart that he ends up in a loving and safe home. <3. Little guy deserves it, and you the peace of mind, which I'm sure won't be easy to find. You're in my thoughts and prayers, always
ReplyDeleteCat. You are really too sweet. Thank you so much for all your kind words you keep sharing with me. I really appreciate you.
DeleteHow did it go???
ReplyDeleteHi MamaV! Nice to see you! :) Court went well. Z will be with us for another 6 months. As to whether he goes home, or gets adopted, will be entirely up to what the mom does (or doesn't do) over the next 6 months.
DeleteI have seen families go through this before! The uncertainty is crazy! I will pray for God's will to be done! He knows what he is doing with you and Z :-)
DeleteThe uncertainty is hard. But I almost prefer it to what I know now. Nothing is set in stone till June, but the case workers are definitely leading us in the direction of reunification with bio mom.
DeleteI find myself cherishing every moment with him now.